A Van From Skibbereen to Ukraine

Cormac O'Brien is my name and I am a Guidance Counsellor in Skibbereen Community School in West Cork.

So, the original purpose of this GoFundMe has with all your help and support, been achieved (see below). We still have some funds in the account that are being used to purchase and send targeted medical and humanitarian aid into Poland (to the orphanage and reception centres) and directly into the Field Hospitals on the ground in Ukraine.
I am going to leave this GoFundMe campaign live with the aim of continuing to focus any funds raised at the on-the -ground  projects I have managed to make links with.
All of the money raised here goes directly to these projects and the projects themselves are run and co-ordinated by ordinary people giving of their time and resources on a voluntary basis. All of the monies raised through this GoFundMe is and will continue to be used to provide practical aid to support the work of these amazing people and in turn makes an immediate and direct impact on the experience of those fleeing for their lives from Ukraine.
There are many charities out there doing great work.. this one is a pop-up effort (so to speak) and as such doesn't and won't need to use any of the money raised to employ workers or fundraisers. This is the guarantee that means that any amount (large or small) you donate through this GoFundMe will translate directly into aid on the ground.
With this war dragging on and the media focus inevitably dragged away to other global news stories, it is understandable that our emotional and human connection to the ongoing catastrophic experience of our Ukrainian neighbours gradually becomes watered down or disconnected.
Please continue to do what you can to support any local and community efforts that you can and if you are not in a position to do this, please know that even by simply sharing this link on your social media accounts any time you think of it.. that in itself raises awareness and has the power to generate direct support for those who are in a position to help more directly.
[ For our West Cork supporters: I have set up a Facebook page: Skibbereen Support for Ukraine. This page is a way of linking in with other people and groups who are coming together to create as many local supports as possible for our recently arrived Ukrainian friends. Please feel free to join, get involved and spread the word.] 
Thank you all again for the amazing support.
Cormac










I am in the lucky position to have 2 weeks holiday from my job on the 8th of April. With the support of our school and your good selves, I intend to drive a Van-load of Medical and Humanitarian supplies to the Ukraine border.

HERE'S THE PLAN!:

I have a small Ford Transit van; with the already agreed support of Local Pharmacies and other suppliers, we intend to fill it to capacity with targeted emergency paediatric medical supplies and other vital equipment (flashlights, batteries, thermal blankets etc.). Space in the van is at a premium, so we will be purchasing these items in bulk rather than asking for physical donations. If the funds raised allow for a more significant purchase of items than will fit in my Van, a friend has offered to loan me her VW Transporter for the trip.

 

At present, I am liaising with two organisations on the ground at the Ukraine border, one in Poland and one in Slovakia and later in the week we will decide which location is in most need of the supplies.

On the cost side:

I will cover my own personal travelling expenses for the approx 6-7 days journey.

I am fundraising to cover the cost of:

• transportation: (approx E1000 Ferry, Diesel & Tolls),

• the bulk purchase of medical/health products to be donated to the aid organisation directly.

• The remaining funds being presented to the aid organisation on the ground in either Poland or Slovakia.

 

I will endeavour to document the journey on my own Facebook account and that of Skibbereen Community School (https://www.facebook.com/SkibbereenCS/ ). I will show a record of receipts for the Ferry/Diesel etc. and the final Donation to the Aid agency.

[I will leave the GoFundMe live, and any further donations raised after the trip will be forwarded on to the same organisation on the ground (I will continue to post receipts and updates)].

 

I know some people will feel that it is better to just donate all of the money raised directly to a charity that is already moving equipment and supplies. This is a strong argument, but having spoken with  manager of a worldwide Charity Organisation I am convinced that there are good reasons for this trip:

 

1. When people are asked to donate to a project that they can follow online and see the progress and actual journey, they are likely to feel more involved and connected. They can see that the money is being used effectively and are more likely to donate even more!

 

2. There is still a real need for specific practical aid on the ground.

 

3. Recipients of the aid feel more solidarity and connection from the wider world when they can actually meet those involved in the support effort – all the way from the source. We are ordinary people, just like them.

 

4. Fundraising in our schools and community promotes greater awareness and solidarity. Students, teachers, family and friends can get involved directly and in a very real way.

 

So that's the plan! Sorry it's not more polished but time is of the essence, so now it's over to you good people!!

 

Thank you all in advance for any donation you can make towards this project, no amount is too small (or too big!)

 

PS. If anyone knows of specific people at the borders of Ukraine looking for safe transit to the Ferry in France, please get in touch with me as I will be able to facilitate some passengers on the return journey.